Giants in control of path to playoffs

Road not easy, but Big Blue needs no help

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Like recent years, the defending Super Bowl-champion Giants have had their share of ups and downs this season. Unlike recent years, and despite the roller-coaster ride, the Giants control their destiny.

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By The Associated Press

recordonline.com

By The Associated Press

Posted Dec. 11, 2012 at 2:00 AM

By The Associated Press
Posted Dec. 11, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Notes

• Coach Tom Coughlin will not address the injuries to RB Ahmad Bradshaw (knee), WR Hakeem Nicks (hand) and WR Victor Cruz (hamstring) until they are further examined by team physicians....

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Notes

• Coach Tom Coughlin will not address the injuries to RB Ahmad Bradshaw (knee), WR Hakeem Nicks (hand) and WR Victor Cruz (hamstring) until they are further examined by team physicians.

• The Giants have topped 40 points three times this season, and have surpassed 35 points five times.

• The Giants are 3-0 vs. the NFC South already with only the Falcons remaining.

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Like recent years, the defending Super Bowl-champion Giants have had their share of ups and downs this season.

Unlike recent years, and despite the roller-coaster ride, the Giants control their destiny.

With three games left, the Giants (8-5) have a one-game lead in the NFC East on Washington (7-6) and Dallas (7-6). If they win their final three games, they'll win the division title for a second straight year.

That hasn't often been the situation for the Giants — a smooth ride ahead, a cut-and-dried path to the postseason. This time around, there is no help needed. Just win out and get ready for the playoffs.

"It's a much better feeling this way," defensive tackle Chris Canty said Monday, a day after the Giants defeated New Orleans 52-27. "We don't have to look over our shoulders and worry about anyone else. We have a three-game season left and if we win those three games, then we can control things.

"We'll take it one game at a time, but I like being in this position much better."

Not that it will be easy. The Giants close with Atlanta (11-2), Baltimore (9-4), and Philadelphia (4-9). The Falcons and Ravens are headed to the postseason.

At one point Sunday, it appeared as if the Giants were going to get help in their quest for the division title, as both Washington and Dallas trailed late to Baltimore and Cincinnati, respectively. But the Redskins and Cowboys rallied, forcing the Giants to be emphatic vs. the Saints if they were to maintain the edge.

Consider the message sent. Eli Manning threw for four scores and five Giants had at least two catches in the win.

"We have to take care of our own business," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "We've determined our own future and we do know what's at stake."

The quest continues Sunday in Atlanta against a team that has clinched the NFL South and is 6-0 at home.

That said, Atlanta lost to Carolina 30-20 on Sunday, and may well ease off the pedal now that it has a division crown. The Giants defeated Atlanta 24-2 in the playoffs last season, New York's first of four postseason victories en route to the title.

"We have to see how we match up, and realize where our strengths and weaknesses are," Coughlin said. "Knowing the obvious, what we have to do over the next three weeks, is plain and obvious. It has to be part of our approach."

Another standout performance from David Wilson would help. He became the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 100 yards and have more than 200 yards in return yards in a single game on Sunday. His 327 all-purpose yards set a team record.

"David has given us an added playmaker," Coughlin said. "The timing is great for David to come to the front. He's gained experience all year, but he gained valuable experience last night as well. People now have to worry about defending him."